HI there... how long ago was her surgery and did she have a neck dissection as well? Surgery messes with nerves, and lymph systems and blood flow, and to be honest my tongue was okay after my surgery but yes radiation does mess with the healing and such, but it is imperative that she have it so - do not stop.

Unless she has an infection, this is fairly normal. I had a football tongue for a while. It is worse if you've had a neck dissection, as the pathways for the lymph fluid have been destroyed, and new ones take some time to rebuilt (often with the help of lymphatic massage). I am almost 2 years out from the end of treatment and my neck sometimes swells as does my cheek and tongue though this is next frequent now. A little massage gets things moving. I wouldn't worry about the massage now, just know that it's relatively normal. Just make sure your doctor is aware of the issue there is nothing else causing it.

best of luck